Early years funding rates from 1st April 2026
We are pleased to advise that our proposed funding rates that we shared with you in January have been approved. The full increase received from the Department for Education is being passed on to providers in the hourly funding rate for all providers in Devon.
Have you recently taken over responsibility for using the Provider Portal, are new to funding or need a refresher?
The Early Years Funding Team will be running sessions on how to complete your spring amendment tasks. Dates: 20 March and 25 March.
Level 3 Diploma for working in the early years sector – course starts April
Do you want to become Early Years Educators, working with children from birth to five? Join our Level 3 for a strong start. Course starts April.
Play skills development morning – 30 March in Exeter
A fully funded half day event for Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food and access to Early Access Breakfast Club. We will delve into understanding the importance of play skills in a child’s development and continue to celebrate school aged children’s play in Devon.
Early years music conference – 10 March 2026 in Exeter
Join us for Sound Starts, a practical and inspiring Early Years music CPD event designed to help educators, practitioners, and musicians build confidence in delivering inclusive music experiences for young children. Tuesday 10th March 2026 at Future Skills Centre, Exeter.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 23/02/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
Early years funding updates
Early years funding updates.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) – final chance to book for February half term
There is still time for families to book February half term HAF activities. Please visit the EEQU booking system to secure places. Spring / Easter HAF bookings go‑live on Monday 23 February 2026.
NEW provider network meetings launching this term! Come and meet the faces of your early years locality team
We are pleased to let you know that we will be running a series of face-to-face network meetings throughout March. These informal sessions will allow you to network with early years and childcare providers in your area and to receive updates from the Early years and Childcare Service.
Ofsted briefing for all early years and childcare providers
Explore the new early years inspection framework and toolkit. Learn what inspectors will look for, how the toolkit works, and how to showcase your setting’s quality with confidence. Online webinar running on 2 March 6.30pm – 7.30pm.